Fall TV: A ROOT Guide

We're a couple of weeks into the fall television season, and if you're like me, you can't focus on one show long enough to get with the program. Missed the first few episodes of what is supposed to be a cool show? Step into the world of television via the Internet. But before you explore Hulu and YouTube, here's a roundup for all the TV junkies who'd rather surf channels than ride the wave. All times are Eastern.

It's a highly stylized ‘60s period drama. The show's directors and producers have paid super-close attention to detail. But some critics say it's missing an appropriate amount of racial context. While the critics debate, tune in—and make your own "Mad Men" avatar.

TV One is slowly but surely stepping up its original-series game. But its reality show, Mario's Green House, which documents the attempt by Mario Van Peebles' family to build an eco-friendly home, is way too scripted. However: his father, Mr. Sweet Sweetback himself, is must-see TV. At 77, he hasn't lost any of his spunk—or his ability to mack on women. Watch the promo.

Formulaic American Idol knockoffs like this deserve about 30 seconds of your time. Somebody falls. A dress rips. A football player (or Master P) with two left feet, shuffles across the floor. And now that Tom DeLay is gone, the laughs are pretty much over.

Now that Jon's been cut out of the deal, viewers are left with sulking, fringed, not-quite-right Kate and her whiny confessionals. The kids aren't getting paid, TLC is getting over, and Kate's become totally woe-is-me. For better TV, watch Jon on Larry King Live as he explains why he wants TLC to say "cut" to Kate—and cut check(s)—for him and his kids.

It's a quirky and, well, modern look at family life in America. This show just might extend the age of the half-hour sitcom. There's the traditional family with homemaker mom and working dad. Ed O'Neill (Married ... With Children) plays the dad-getting-his-groove-back with his much younger wife and preteen stepson. Oh, and did we mention the cast includes two gay characters raising an Asian baby? Watch the two dads welcome their baby into the "circle of life."

Tyra Banks' endless model marathon continues. What is this? Cycle 117? Well, at least this time, there's a slight twist. Tyra's giving (5-foot-7-and-under) shorties some time to shine. And what's a "top" model these days anyway? Arguably the most visible winner of the show, Eva Marcille, talks about the woes of being on the show on TV One's Life After.

At first look, a reality show about black firefighters in Compton, Calif., sounds intriguing. But with Tyrese's relentless narration (he's the executive producer), it's hard to just watch and appreciate First In.

TV One gave props to some of black America's most unsung artists, including Phyllis Hyman and the DeBarge family. In its second season, find out the back stories on Bootsy Collins, Teena Marie and Zapp!